Today comes the revelation that talks have also been held between an INM executive - none other than Simon Kelner - and Zac Goldsmith, the wealthy environmental campaigner and Conservative party candidate. According to Dan Sabbagh's story in The Times, "a couple of months" of discussions took place "in the late summer".

In other words, they were prior to the approaches made by INM to its national paper competitors about the likelihood of sharing of back office functions (and even a possible sale).

But, as with those rebuffed approaches, Zac Goldsmith and his family also decided against getting into bed with the Indy. Sabbagh writes that they "decided not to proceed in the light of the newspaper's financial position."

He mentions that INM's chief executive and moving spirit, Tony O'Reilly, was "aware of the discussions, although it is not thought that they had progressed to the point where a firm offer was made."

So where can we expect the next offer for The Independent and its Sunday sister? The ambitious cash-rich sheikhs in the United Arab Emirates could well be bidders, according to some sources.

What is clear is that INM wants rid of the papers now. Meanwhile, it is planning to reduce their already meagre staffs still further. There are suggestions that INM's UK division - which includes the Belfast Telegraph - will shed a further 10% of its staff.

Given that the Indy titles are losing the best part of £1m a month, possibly more, it will require a very rich patron to step in if the titles are to have a proper future. Expect news soon from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.